Better legal services needed for domestic violence victims

Victims of domestic violence required good legal services because the present system is not catering for their needs, according to Joe Gerada, chief executive of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services.

Mr Gerada feels that while legal aid does exist, it is not responding adequately enough to these people's needs, and as a result they were often discouraged from leaving their abusive situation.

"The limitation of resources is one of the reasons why women especially continue suffering abuse. While we provide shelter, they also need to start legal proceedings - without the proper services they're not going to get anywhere," he said.

"These people need legal support. Now we can either improve the present legal aid system or else designate lawyers to provide the necessary guidance and help."

Mr Gerada was yesterday invited to speak on the subject of domestic violence to university students reading for a law degree. The talk was organised by the Law Students' Society.

Among the speakers were lawyer Roberta Leprè and Police Superintendent Alexandra Mamo, who explained the details of the law and how the authorities functioned to help the victims.